‘Fool’s gold’: Haas’ shock $1.5m Broncos decision looms as R360 collapse fears grow

Payne Haas has reportedly informed a representative player close to him that he will remain at the Broncos with rumblings emerging rebel competition R360 could fold before it begins.

That is according to Code Sports, who are reporting Haas holds concerns regarding R360’s ability to get off the ground and its viability as a fully-fledged competition.

Haas was previously linked with a mammoth $3 million switch to the rebel competition, with reports surfacing he would quit the NRL to take up a tax-free payday.

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However, the uncertainty surrounding R360 and the potential of a ban from NRL powerbrokers have seen Haas hold concerns regarding a rugby move.

Even those within R360’s ranks reportedly have concerns of their own regarding the game’s finances and the potential for the competition to even get off the ground.

The Broncos are reportedly the frontrunners to retain his services, with the gun prop yet to make a final decision as he holidays abroad with his family.

Haas’ decision reportedly isn’t solely centred around money, informing a trusted ally of his fears regarding R360.

The representative star will reportedly earn $1.2 million with Brisbane next season, before signing a mammoth extension reportedly worth upwards of $3.5 million.

His salary could reportedly reach $1.5 million when the salary cap increases in 2028.

The Broncos have reportedly requested Haas makes his decisions clear to the club in the coming weeks before he reports back to pre-season.

“Payne knows how we feel about him,” Brisbane chief executive Dave Donaghy said.

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“We wanted to let him focus on Samoa. Now that’s done, I’m sure he’ll take a well-earned break and we will speak to Payne and his people when he gets back to Brisbane about what the future looks like.

“If the money that’s been speculated is right, then it’s not a shock that Payne would want to explore that.

“I’m sure he’d be wanting to make sure it’s not fool’s gold, too.

“We made him an offer some time ago and we will do whatever we can to convince him to stay, but we also have a salary cap to work with. Payne has a place at our club for as long as he wants it.”

R360 officials, meanwhile, want to announce their first wave of signings as they prepare to launch their competition slated to begin in October next season.

Both Zac Lomax and Ryan Papenhuyzen have recently been released from their NRL contracts, but it remains to be seen whether they will sign on with the rebel competition.